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A Heroic Piece in Hard Times: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto
Explore the history of Beethoven's Fifth Piano Concerto, nicknamed "Emperor", composed during Napoleon's invasion of Vienna in 1809, reflecting the composer's resilience amidst chaos.
Clara Schumann Returns to the Limelight
Explore the life of Clara Schumann, a leading pianist of the Romantic era, who defied norms, balanced family and career, and whose work is gaining recognition.
WATCH: SKY Concert Featuring Jake Heggie
On May 30th, 2024 our evening host and resident artist pianist Lara Downes welcomes two longtime friends and musical collaborators: the legendary mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade and San Francisco’s own legend-in-the-making Jake Heggie, considered one of the world's most popular 21st-century opera and art song composers.
Saturday Morning CarTunes: The Piano
Classical Californians: Garrick Ohlsson
This week's Classical Californian is concert pianist Garrick Ohlsson
Classical Californians: Althea Waites
Classical Californian pianist Althea Waites shares her favorite performances, including works by Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, and Verdi.
Classical Californians: Sarah Cahill
Pianist Sarah Cahill is this week's Classical Californian
The Piano
The sounds of an entire orchestra in just two hands...
Classical Californians: Radu Paponiu
This week's Classical Californian is Radu Paponiu, the Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra
Classical Californians: RZA
This week's Classical Californian is rap producer, and Wu-Tang Clan founding member, RZA
Classical Californians: Patricia Kristof Moy
This week our Classical Californian is Patricia Kristof Moy, Executive Director of Music at Kohl Mansion
Classical Music and Its Powerful Effect on the Brain
Explore the transformative impact of music on the brain with Classical California host Brisa Siegel and USC's Brain and Creativity Institute. Discover how music shapes young minds.
Trippy Tales in Classical Music
Explore the connection between altered states of consciousness and music composition, featuring works by Berlioz, Hildegard of Bingen, and Schumann.
Chapman Challenge: What’s the Spookiest Instrument?
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan discusses the spookiest instruments in honor of Halloween, highlighting the eerie sounds of the theremin and the scary potential of violins.